Just Mercy: The Parable of the Compassionate Employer

In Matthew 20:1-16, Jesus tells a parable about a compassionate employer who makes repeated trips to the marketplace to hire men who are desperately seeking work. The employer's willingness to pursue solidarity with these men, and his surprising generousity at the end of the day, illustrates God's decision to come to us in person, His willingness to suffer on our behalf, and His desire to graciously give us what we need (and not what we deserve).